Craig Thomas

The fifteenth set of eight verses of Psalm 119 is labeled "SAMEK" (vv. 113-120).  This section of Psalm 119 brings to the fore a character flaw that every person, and especially one who claims to be a child of God, should avoid like the plague.  Verse 113 states unequivocally:

"I hate the double-minded,

But I love Your law."

What does it mean for a person to be "double-minded"?  This section describes it well in verse 118:

"You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,

For their deceit is falsehood."

A "double-minded" person is one who "stray[s]" from God's commandments.  They only adhere to God's commandments when they believe it is convenient for them.  James describes such a person as "a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways" (Jas. 1:8).  A "double-minded" person is deceitful!  He/she is deceitful to themselves and more importantly to God.  They only tell the truth when it benefits them.  They only live the truth when they perceive it profits them.  Do we see a pattern here?  They live their lives with only one person in mind:  themselves.  Their lack of spiritual courage is repugnant to God.  James tells us God considers the "double-minded" to be "like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind" (Jas. 1:6) and, spiritually speaking, he is "unstable in all his ways" (Jas. 1:8).

At the heart of the character of the "double-minded" is a severe lack of courage.  It takes spiritual courage to stand on God's side of the ledger of life.  Those who only stand for the truth when they find it to their advantage are spineless cowards.  God finds such a character flaw totally repugnant.  In fact, double mindedness (i.e., lack of courage) is even more repugnant when expressed by the believer.  Why?  I freely admit that it is not always an easy thing to summon spiritual courage.  However, God offers to infuse us with such courage when we cling to His commandments and statutes.  He invites us to pray for the wisdom to access this courage.  For example, in James 1:5 God invites us to pray for "wisdom":

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

For what "wisdom" is He inviting and encouraging us to pray for?  For the "wisdom" to endure trials (cf. Jas. 1:2-4).  It takes great courage to face and endure the trials and tribulations of life!  Wisdom is the ability to skillfully apply one's knowledge to a real-life problem.  God's word equips us with all manner of practical tools that can be applied to such situations.  For example, in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul tells us the trials and tribulations of life are but a "light affliction" which is "but for a moment."  Furthermore, when endured, these trials are "working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).

When we are in the furnace of affliction it is easy to forget that such tools are readily available from God.  It takes wisdom in the midst of fiery afflictions to reach out, take hold, and apply God's tools to our situation.  Therefore, it behooves the Christian to "ask in faith" for God to supply us this wisdom.  BUT we must ask "with no doubting" (Jas. 1:6) that God will fulfill His end of the bargain and supply this wisdom.  If we doubt His promise to supply this wisdom it makes us "a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways" (Jas. 1:8).  And God will not supply that wisdom to one with such a wavering faith (cf. Jas. 1:7).  One with a wavering faith is a spiritual coward.  God rightly despises spiritual cowards!

"But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." (Rev. 21:8)

It is incumbent on every Christian to develop a spiritual spine (vv. 114-120):

" 114 You are my hiding place and my shield;

I hope in Your word.

115 Depart from me, you evildoers,

For I will keep the commandments of my God!

116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live;

And do not let me be ashamed of my hope.

117 Hold me up, and I shall be safe,

And I shall observe Your statutes continually.

118 You reject all those who stray from Your statutes,

For their deceit is falsehood.

119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross;

Therefore I love Your testimonies.

120 My flesh trembles for fear of You,

And I am afraid of Your judgments."